Book Talk with Rabbi Amy Eilberg

author of

From Enemy to Friend

Everyone is welcome to join the Etz Chayim Bookwormsfor a discussion of peacemaking as a spiritual parctice. Free. No reservation needed.

You'll have more to say if you read the book ahead of time, but it's fine to be a part of the conversation aithout preperation.

From Enemy to Friend blends ancient Jewish sacred texts on peacebuilding, real life descriptions of conflict engagement—interpersonal, interreligious, intra-communal, and international—and contemporary conflict theory. The interweaving of personal story, sacred text, and theory demonstrates how relationships can move from estrangement and wounding, entrenched bigotry and fear, to positive, engaged encounter.

What emerges is a portrait of peacemaking as a spiritual practice that can guide the lives of faithful people seeking peace in their lives and in the world. After exploring this theme in the contexts of interreligious dialogue, struggle within the Jewish community itself, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, From Enemy to Friend concludes with practical disciplines to cultivate the qualities of soul essential to the art of pursuing peace.

Rabbi Amy Eilberg is the first woman ordained as a Conservative rabbi by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. After many years of work in pastoral care and hospice, Rabbi Eilberg now serves as a spiritual director, directs interfaith dialogue programs in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, and teaches at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She teaches the art of listening, dialogue and peacebuilding in venues throughout the country.